ESPN CONFIRM: Five-Star Phenom Ethan “The Comet” Carter Stuns Fans, Inks $8.9M Deal with Tennessee Vols Rejects $6.7M NIL Offer from West Virginia, Donates $3.6M Royalty Bonus And Endorsements Contract to Charities and Homelessness Support Organizations….see more..

In one of the most electrifying and talked-about college football decisions of the decade, Ethan “The Comet” Carter, a five-star quarterback and the nation’s #1 dual-threat recruit, has officially committed to the University of Tennessee, signing an unprecedented $8.9 million NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) agreement with the Vols. The news, verified by multiple top-tier sources including ESPN and On3, sent shockwaves through the college football world not only because of the massive dollar amount — but also because of Carter’s shocking decision to turn down a $6.7 million offer from West Virginia and his incredible act of generosity.

What has truly stunned fans and critics alike, however, is Carter’s immediate announcement that he will donate the entirety of his $3.6 million “royalty bonus” — included in the Tennessee deal for branded merchandise and licensing — to homeless shelters and outreach programs across Appalachia and the southeastern United States.

A Star is Born — And He’s Just Getting Started

Nicknamed “The Comet” for his blazing speed, deep-ball accuracy, and highlight-reel athleticism, Carter has dominated the high school circuit with back-to-back state titles, over 12,000 total yards, and a 4.38 40-yard dash time. Analysts have hailed him as the most complete quarterback prospect since Trevor Lawrence, with one scout calling him “a generational leader with NFL tools and a humanitarian heart.”

The 6’3”, 210-pound Carter made headlines throughout his recruitment not only for his on-field talent but also for the tug-of-war between powerhouse programs vying for his commitment. West Virginia was believed to be the favorite, having reportedly offered a $6.7 million NIL package through a coalition of donors and businesses. But in a dramatic turn of events, Carter chose Tennessee, citing the university’s “legacy, leadership culture, and alignment with [his] personal mission.”

A Statement of Values: Carter’s $3.6 Million Donation

Perhaps even more impactful than his on-field decision is what Carter did next. Minutes after his commitment announcement in Knoxville, the 18-year-old phenom revealed he would be donating his $3.6 million royalty bonus to help combat homelessness in Tennessee, West Virginia, and his hometown of Roanoke, Virginia.

“This is bigger than football,” Carter said during the press conference. “If I’m going to wear the crown, I need to lift the community with it. I’ve been blessed beyond words — it’s only right to give others a chance to rise, too.”

His donation will be distributed through a new foundation he is launching, “The Comet Cares Initiative,” which will partner with regional nonprofits to provide shelter, job placement, mental health resources, and transitional housing for homeless individuals and families.

Tennessee’s New Era Begins

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel called Carter’s commitment “a game-changer in every sense,” stating, “Ethan isn’t just a future Heisman contender — he’s the kind of young man who changes locker rooms, campuses, and communities.”

With this signing, Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class now ranks #1 nationally, with Carter leading a powerful group of offensive weapons expected to return the Vols to SEC and national championship contention.

Legacy in the Making

In an age where NIL deals are reshaping college athletics, Ethan Carter’s decision has set a new precedent — not just for how elite athletes choose their path, but for how they choose to use their platform. He has quickly become a symbol of a new generation of athletes who are as focused on giving back as they are on winning titles.

And with Carter set to take the field for Tennessee in the fall, fans across the nation are eagerly awaiting to see what “The Comet” does next — on the gridiron and beyond.